Master League is Pro Evolution Soccer's management mode
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7 PES 2019 tips to help you conquer Master League

How to get the most out of Pro Evolution Soccer’s famed career mode.
Written by Fraser Gilbert
4 min readPublished on
It’s been almost two decades since Master League was first introduced to the Pro Evolution Soccer series. In that time, it’s become a beloved staple of the franchise, allowing players to achieve glory with either a group of unknowns or real teams across a multi-season career mode.
In PES 2019, updates to the mode include new league licenses and presentation packages, player training improvements and the International Champions Cup pre-season tournament. There’s plenty of returning content, too, so there's a lot to learn. With that in mind, here are our top tips for getting the most out of Master League in PES 2019.

1. Keep track of Missions

Complete missions to build your trust level with the board

Complete missions to build your trust level with the board

© Konami

If you’re playing the Challenge version of Master League, you’ll need to check your Missions list on a regular basis. This is where you'll find tasks that you need to complete, spanning everything from derby day wins to lifting the league title. This plays a big part in determining your Trust Level, indicating how happy the board are with your performance. If you’re not playing well and the level drops too low, you might be out of a job before long.

2. Devise a training plan

While it’s possible to let the game train your players automatically, it’s best to tailor their schedules to your needs. You can alter each of your players’ training plans via the Team Management screen, allowing you to mould their abilities. The game also lets you do this for your youth players – a key consideration for future seasons. Don’t forget to assign Skill Training, either, as this will help to add some flair and trickery to your squad.

3. Be wary of release fees

It's easier to sign a player when they've got a release fee

It's easier to sign a player when they've got a release fee

© Konami

In Master League, release fees can act as both a boost and a detriment to your chances of success. On the plus side, they allow you a guaranteed opportunity at signing a player. Look for a player’s release fee in the search screen, and if you can match it, the club will be forced to accept. It’s a great way of signing new stars, but be careful, as it can happen to your players too. For that reason, it’s crucial to negotiate smartly when renewing contracts.

4. Don’t stick to one club

One of our favourite Master League features is the ability to enjoy a different experience at different teams. You can get unique atmospheres, cutscenes and presentation packages when switching leagues and continents, so don’t be afraid to change it up now and again. This is particularly the case in PES 2019 due to the game’s array of new league licenses, which includes Portugal’s Liga NOS and the Scottish Premiership.

5. Adjust your budget

Check your budget settings if you're struggling to sign players

Check your budget settings if you're struggling to sign players

© Konami

If you’re finding that you’re struggling to afford transfer fees, or perhaps failing to match salary demands, there is a way around this. In the Budget Settings menu, you can actually control which elements of your incomings fall into each category. For example, you can choose for gate receipts to top up your salary budget, while merchandise sales can go back into your transfer budget. Manage this correctly and you’ll be able to make better signings as a result.

6. Sim games for quick GP

As previously mentioned in our PES 2019 myClub tips, you can earn a whole batch of GP currency from Master League. The best way to speed up this process is to sim seasons with a particularly good team – Barcelona or PSG, for example. Win enough games,  competitions, finish tasks in various menus, and you’ll earn enough to acquire some top new players in the popular myClub mode.

7. Watch players' stamina levels

Look out for players wiping their foreheads – this is a sign of exhaustion

Look out for players wiping their foreheads – this is a sign of exhaustion

© Konami

The new Visible Fatigue feature in PES 2019 makes player stamina more important than ever, particularly in the case of Master League. You’ll notice your players’ abilities decreasing dramatically when tired, so make sure you take note of when they’re struggling, watching out for telltale signs such as being slumped over or wiping their forehead in exhaustion. Failing to manage stamina levels can result in injury, so it’s crucial to keep track of this.
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